News

Heroes Square was filled with Caymanian pride today Monday 23 January 2023, to celebrate the twentieth National Heroes Day in Cayman Islands history, for the Grand Cayman Awards Ceremony. Honourable Premier G. Wayne Panton emphasised the meaning of National Heroes Day saying “each year, we pause as a nation to remember those who have gone before us: our early pioneers paving the way to the prosperity, the stability, and harmony we enjoy in the Cayman Islands. These heroes are integral to our collective history, and their exploits should be heralded in our homes, schools and visitors’ guidebooks. Their selflessness, kindness, and love of country have created a roadmap for success that we can and should follow to preserve the most beautiful parts of our culture and people.”
This year’s ceremony was the first full-scale National Heroes Day event since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the Cayman Islands. As a result, attendees saw the complete scope of National Heroes Day celebratory activities including a parade representing the Uniformed Services and local club organisations, the flag processional featuring students from various local schools and the ceremonial wreath laying at the monuments in Heroes Square. The event was well-attended in support of all the honourees and comfortable due to slightly overcast skies and cool breezes.  

This year’s theme Volunteerism and Charitable Services, honoured over two hundred volunteers, ten charitable organisations and one philanthropist in a ceremony filled with national applause for their exemplary services to the Cayman Islands. Among these persons were 70 Early Pioneers, categorised as any individual alive or deceased who founded or made an exceptional contribution to the development of voluntary service in the Cayman Islands prior to 1980. There were also 124 Pioneers honoured for making exceptional contribution for over twenty years to voluntary services within the Cayman Islands.
Mrs. Susan A. Olde received the sole philanthropist honour for making donations exceeding $1 million to charitable services in the Cayman Islands.
In the Charitable Organisations category, awards went to for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands Branch of the Guide Association – Girl Guides Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels, Cayman Islands Red Cross, Rotary Central Cayman Islands, Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Special Olympics Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands Cancer Society, Girls’ Brigade in the Cayman Islands Ltd and the Lions Club of Grand Cayman for exceptional contributions to the development, enhancement, safety and wellbeing of the community in the Cayman Islands for more than twenty years.

“I am extremely proud to join you on the twentieth anniversary of National Heroes Day”, shared Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Hon. Bernie Bush. ”Under the theme of Volunteerism and Charitable Services, we recognise the commitment that volunteers and not-for-profit organisations have shown in our community. These individuals give of their time, energy and talents for free, all for the betterment of these three Islands home.”

 As is customary, the Honourable Premier announced the National Heroes Day theme for the coming year. “As we celebrate our proud past and look to a hopeful future, I am pleased to announce the theme for our 2024 Heroes Day Celebrations is Celebrating Our Cultural Artists and Creatives. We look forward to showing appreciation for the talented individuals and groups who keep our colourful heritage alive, while preserving Caymanian culture and artistic expression.”